CHARLOTTE JEREMY CREWS BEAMER

Charlotte Jeremy Crews Beamer , 99 yrs old, was born in Charlotte County, VA to George Whitfield Crews and Mabel Cridlin Crews.

She is predeceased by her parents and also by her husband Dr. Rufus Wilford Beamer, her brother George W. Crews, Jr. and her sister Cerrie Crews Coil.

She attended elementary school in Alexandria, VA and graduated from Drake's Branch High School in Drake's Branch, VA in 1936.

She graduated from Radford College in 1940 with a BS degree in English, History and a minor in Physical Education. She did graduate work at the University of TN but received her Master's of Science degree from Radford College in 1966 after moving to Blacksburg, VA in 1962.

She was an elementary teacher for 3 years in Alexandria, VA, 8 years in Knoxville, TN, 2 years in Cali, Colombia, SA and a year in Blacksburg, VA before becoming principal of Margaret Beeks Elementary in Blacksburg, VA for 10 years. She ended her career as an elementary supervisor for the Montgomery County School System.

Charlotte married Rufus Wilford Beamer in June 1942. Charlotte and Rufus lived in Nokesville, VA before moving to Salem, VA where Rufus worked on and received his master's degree from VA Tech. They then moved to Knoxville, TN where Rufus was a professor of Ag Ed at UT. They lived in Cali, Colombia, SA from 1956-1958 while Rufus worked for the State Dept AID program helping Colombia set up vocational education schools and Charlotte taught school at Colegio Bolivar. They moved to Blacksburg, VA in 1962 when Rufus became associated with VA TECH.

She was a member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, the AARP, the Blacksburg Sports Club, Phi Delta Kappa, VRTA (VA Retired Teachers Assoc.). She loved traveling with Sunshine Tours. She probably took most of the trips they offered and some multiple times. She traveled to Alaska and back by bus twice. She also was a chaperone for a VA TECH English summer program to England and Scotland. She did volunteer work for the Montgomery Regional Hospital and the Red Cross. But one of her favorite pastimes was walking –fast. "I don't stroll and I don't 'dawdle'". And if you ever walked with her you know that was true! She was an avid VA TECH sports fan following the football team to many bowl games and she was very proud to point out her association with her nephew Coach Frank Beamer.

She leaves behind (3) children: Rufus Wilford Beamer, Jr. of Knoxville, TN, Elizabeth Ann Craig (Bob) of Abingdon, VA, Robert Gordon Beamer (Martha) of Greeneville, TN and (6) grandchildren Robert Craig, Jr. (Helina) of Fairfax, VA, Brian Craig of Blacksburg, VA, Dr. Allison Craig of Delmar, NY, Clayton Beamer of Knoxville, TN, Phillip Beamer (Kate) of Northport, NY and Andrew Beamer of Knoxville, TN. She leaves behind 3 great-granddaughters Ava Craig of Fairfax, VA; Lily Beamer and Sierra Beamer of Northport, NY.

She leaves behind her sister Louise Thompson (Redding) of Nashua, NH and her sister-in-law Virginia Crews of Decatur, GA and many nieces and nephews.

Charlotte was a wonderful role model. She loved life. She was an optimist who was fond of saying "Every morning that my feet hit the floor, I know it's going to be a good day!"

The family would like to thank Commonwealth Senior Living at Christiansburg for the devoted care they have given Charlotte during her time with them. We also want to thank Medi Home Health & Hospice for their care and support during this last year.

Charlotte was an eye donor. She gave her last gift to help medical research at Tufts Medical Center to learn more about genetic and lifestyle factors associated with eye disease.

A Memorial Service to celebrate and honor the life of Charlotte Beamer is scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00pm at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, Blacksburg VA.

Memorials may be sent to the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Or to the Rufus W. Beamer Fund c/o VA Tech Foundation, Inc., Office of University Development (0336), Blacksburg, VA 24061.